See how two DIY fans made a stunning outdoor kitchen for just £150

It's pretty, it's functional, and it's the perfect spot for a sunny BBQ

black outdoor kitchen
(Image credit: @100yearsinthemaking)

The trend for outdoor kitchens has been gaining pace this year, and while the whole concept seems uber-luxurious, it is possible to do on a budget. Two DIY lovers have proven that you really can make your outdoor kitchen ideas and dreams a reality without spending thousands.

Frances and her husband created a gorgeous monochrome garden design feature that lends itself to outdoor get-togethers. 'We got the inspiration from Pinterest,' Frances tells us. 'We love to incorporate old and new and also natural materials if we can. 

outdoor kitchen

(Image credit: @100yearsinthemaking)

'We mostly made it from things we already had lying around, the slats, door, and concrete slab we already had, so that determined the size in some ways.'

She explained that they needed to fit their egg BBQ into the outdoor kitchen, so they put it into position before deciding the size of that section. If you aren't lucky enough to already have one of these take a look at our best BBQ guide.

'The whole thing is 3m by 0.6m (depth) by 0.9m (height),' Frances says.

outdoor kitchen with bbq

(Image credit: @100yearsinthemaking)

The pair used 4x4 for vertical supports, 3x2 horizontal supports, and 4x1 decorative pieces to hide the joints and to make the door flush. Frances also used a tongue and groove door that they already had in their shed, and cut it to size. 

Luckily, Frances was also able to use a paving slab leftover from a path to rest the BBQ on. Talk about being resourceful with materials.

Frances and her husband also recently made micro cement worktops, as the ultimate finishing touch to the project, which they unveiled in a tutorial on Instagram.

As for cost, Frances said it was hard to say since a lots was cobbled together from materials they had from other projects, but the wood cost about £150 in total.

Having an area where you can prepare food alfresco really does change the game when it comes to entertaining. This makeover goes to show it's worth holding onto old offcuts of wood from a renovation - we've got serious outdoor kitchen envy.

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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